Jon Stojan
Jay Borden, a seasoned educator and advocate for agricultural literacy, grew up cultivating his love for farming on the fertile lands of northern Illinois. Active in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) during his school years, Jay’s journey took him to Alabama, where he pursued his dream of becoming a veterinarian at Auburn University. However, fate had different plans for him, leading him to discover his true passion for agricultural education.
Over his two decades in education, Jay has taught students about FFA and agriculture in both rural and urban areas of Georgia and Alabama. His most recent endeavor, “Alex and Leah Learn to Farm,” a series he currently runs, was motivated by the need for factually accurate and enjoyable books about farming written for primary school students.
Motivated by the agricultural knowledge of Joel Salatin from Virginia’s Polyface Farms, Jay Borden is attempting to find a solution to the pressing issue of how to pique the interest and involvement of the next generation in sustainable agriculture. The “lunatic farmer,” Mr. Salatin, has inspired Borden’s series, which educates and entertains young people while bridging the generational divide in American farming.
The book Adventure Begins follows newlyweds Alex and Leah as they adjust to life on Leah’s family’s ancestral farm. The two embarked on a fruitful journey to fulfil their mutual dream of sustainable farming. In every book of the series, as the characters build fences for their animals and clear land covered in sweetgum and loblolly trees, they introduce agriculture, cooperation, and perseverance lessons.
Using an inventive writing style, Jay Borden makes complex agricultural ideas more approachable and enjoyable for young readers. The tale of Alex and Leah teaches children many valuable lessons, such as how to prepare land, the importance of trees in ecosystems, and the difficulties in building fences that keep animals safe.
As the series goes on, among other adventures, goats arrive, an apiary is constructed, chicken tractors are driven, and the challenges of seasonal changes are faced. Each book in the series offers more than just a tale for young readers with curious minds eager to learn about farming fundamentals.
The buzz around “Alex and Leah Learn to Farm” is growing, and soon, there will be an exclusive interview with author Jay Borden. The interview will be hosted by Ashley Jacobs, a well-known figure on FOX 5’s lifestyle and entertainment program, in San Diego. It should provide insight into Jay’s inspirations for starting the series and the impact he hopes to have on young readers’ lives.
The interview that Ashley Jacobs will soon center on Jay Borden’s teaching experience and what motivated him to write interesting, factually accurate books about agriculture for all readers. The discussion will likely touch on the benefits and drawbacks of combining traditional farming practices with the quickly evolving field of sustainable agriculture.
Watchers can expect to see more of the motivations behind the characters and plots, gain additional insight into the story’s educational goals, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of Alex and Leah’s future on the farm.
In a world where the next generation needs to be aware of agriculture, Jay Borden’s “Alex and Leah Learn to Farm” series is a beacon of hope, teaching children to appreciate and value the sustainable practices that yield our food. The upcoming interview with Ashley Jacobs will help readers get to know the author and serve as a forum for discussing how agricultural education will affect the future of American farming.